Business Communications: Communication Channels - SAQ 3-1

Self-Assessment Questions (SAQ) 3-1

Recall a communication situation in which you were involved. Identify the five components of communication (stimulus, filter, message, medium, destination) in that communication situation.

In 2006, the Total Quality Management section of the company where I work for had opted for customized SPC software instead of buying the canned applications available in the market.  As the Statistician, I was tasked to discuss the requirements and test results with the developers.

Stimulus – the need to discuss with the developers the detailed SPC software requirements of the company

Filter –having seen and used a few other statistics software and having had the opportunity to see the actual production line where the customized application will be used, I had the ability to tell, upon testing, whether the customized application is already good for deployment

Message – the software requirements and the results of the tests conducted

Medium – oral (formal meetings and telephone discussions) and written communication (emails, test reports, manuals)

Destination – the software requirements and test results will be given to the developers

Of the five components of communication, which do you think would be the most challenging for you as a communicator (i.e. as the one sending the message) to control or regulate? Why? Is it possible to compensate for your lack of control over this component by attending to the other components within your control? Explain.

For me, the most challenging component is the Filter.  My idea of SPC software was very far from the idea of the developers.  Theirs was an application that would collect and analyze the production data. Mine was an application that would collect and analyze the production data real-time and the fastest way possible because each delay in the results is equivalent to some degree of output loss.

To compensate for this, I brought the developers in the production line.  I allowed them to see the actual line processing and how the application should contribute in the operators’ efficiency.

Do you agree that feedback is not necessary for communication to take place? When is it not necessary to get feedback in a communication situation?

I think feedback is not necessary for communication to take place but for an effective communication, there has to be a feedback.  Feedback will tell the communicator that the message he/she sent was received by the destination the way he/she intended and expected it to be received.

Feedback is not necessary for commercials, billboard ads and fliers.  Though it is not necessary, I think that it is highly appreciated (when there is any) and is measured by the increase in the sales.

You might also want to see my answers on:
Business Communications: Communication Channels - Activity 3-1
Business Communications: Communication Channels SAQ 3-2